Patna: Bihar’s sports landscape is set to transform with the inauguration of the State Sports Academy and an International-Level Modern Cricket Stadium in Rajgir, Nalanda. The announcement was made today at a press conference jointly organized by the Sports Department and the Department of Information and Public Relations, where senior officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Sports Department, B. Rajender, and the Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority, Ravindran Shankar, outlined the significant developments.
The inauguration of the State Sports Academy, scheduled for 29 August 2024, coincides with National Sports Day and will be presided over by Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar. This ambitious project, costing approximately Rs 750 crore, is part of a broader effort to promote sports in the state and provide world-class training facilities to athletes.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The new State Sports Academy aims to offer international-standard, scientific training to athletes, both residential and non-residential. The facility will include a wide range of sports infrastructure, such as indoor and outdoor stadiums for athletics, football, hockey, swimming, basketball, volleyball, handball, lawn tennis, and more. Specific provisions have also been made for less common sports like kayaking, fencing, and cycling, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sports development.
Construction of essential infrastructure, including hostels for male and female athletes, residences for trainers, and various administrative buildings, is nearing completion. The pavilion, general stands, and seating arrangements for the cricket stadium are over 55% complete, with final completion anticipated by June 2025.
Inaugural Events and Honors
To mark the inauguration, nine international players from Bihar will be honored with cash prizes and accolades. Additionally, an exhibition match featuring the Indian women’s hockey team, recent winners of the Asian Games, will be held on the newly constructed hockey turf. The team will also conduct practice sessions at the facility, offering local hockey trainees from four Eklavya centers an invaluable opportunity to train alongside them.
Bihar Sports University
In a further boost to the state’s sports ecosystem, the Bihar government has approved the establishment of the Bihar Sports University. This institution, to be housed within the State Sports Academy campus in Rajgir, will focus on physical education, sports science, sports technology, management, and training. It will also serve as a high-level research and training center, contributing to the academic and practical development of sports in Bihar.
